Off the beaten track: A guide to all of the countries in Europe you might have missed

Europe is hardly a stranger to holidaymakers, in fact tourism makes up around 10 per cent of the EU's GDP. And countries such as France, Spain and Italy frequently top the world’s most popular destination lists. 

However, there's much more to Europe than just the big names. With incredible sights, sounds and scenery to be explored and with a fraction of the crowds (and the price tag!) it's definitely worth reconsidering your itinerary.

From charming cities, to ancient forests and uncharted mountain ranges, here are eight underrated locations you should consider visiting on your next trip.

Most famous for its association with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Romania is a land of jagged mountain peaks, storybook castles with soaring spires, and medieval towns that seem unchanged by time.

With fascinating folk museums and rustic villages showcasing the country’s traditional culture, plus walking trails for discovering its natural wetlands and wildlife, there’s plenty to hold your interest here.

If you fancy a visit to a city, Bucharest has a unique architectural style blending classical 19th Parisian buildings with looming soviet style architecture. 

This petite sliver of a country sits nestled in the mountains between Switzerland and Austria. 

Being so small it has no airport of its own, but access via road or rail from surrounding countries is a breeze. Despite this, it's Europe's least visited country. 

Once you make it in, there are plenty of spots for skiing without the usual tourist crowds, as well as hiking and biking trails to explore.

Nestled between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, Slovenia is an undiscovered dream for outdoorsy types. 

From skiing on snow-capped peaks in the Julian Alps and hiking through untouched forests, to